Review
Immunology
Huaguo Tang, Yuanjie Gu, Lei Jiang, Gang Zheng, Zhuoer Pan, Xiugui Jiang
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition worldwide. The immune response plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration and functional recovery from SCI. New biological technologies have allowed for more precise classification of the heterogeneity of immune components. This review focuses on the roles of various immune cells and chemicals in SCI and summarizes clinical trials of immunomodulatory therapies and promising therapeutic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Daniel J. Hellenbrand, Charles M. Quinn, Zachariah J. Piper, Carolyn N. Morehouse, Jordyn A. Fixel, Amgad S. Hanna
Summary: Traumatic spinal cord injury leads to a loss of motor and sensory function, and triggers a cascade of secondary injury responses. The inflammatory response is complex, involving a variety of cells and signaling molecules. Understanding the pathophysiology of SCI is crucial for identifying therapeutic targets to attenuate secondary damage.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Yuanzhe Ding, Di Zhang, Sheng Wang, Xiaolei Zhang, Jingquan Yang
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a devastating disease causing loss of sensory and motor functions, with a pathological process involving mechanical primary injury and secondary injury. Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathology of SCI, and can be divided into different types. Hematogenous macrophages may have various roles in SCI but their specific function remains controversial.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Claire Mathilde Bringuier, Harun Najib Noristani, Jean-Christophe Perez, Maida Cardoso, Christophe Goze-Bac, Yannick Nicolas Gerber, Florence Evelyne Perrin
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent neurological deficits without curative treatment. Astrocytes surrounding the lesion undergo spontaneous transdifferentiation towards a neuronal phenotype, which is associated with increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (Fgfr4). Gene therapy targeting Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes immediately after SCI improves motor function recovery, reduces lesion volume, and decreases glial reactivity.
Article
Immunology
Weiyi Zhao, Natalie Gasterich, Tim Clarner, Clara Voelz, Victoria Behrens, Cordian Beyer, Athanassios Fragoulis, Adib Zendedel
Summary: This study suggests that activation of Nrf2 in astrocytes protects against spinal cord injury by reducing oxidative damage and neuroinflammation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Ximena Freyermuth-Trujillo, Julia J. Segura-Uribe, Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos, Carlos E. Orozco-Barrios, Angelica Coyoy-Salgado
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a significant cause of disability, and there is an urgent need for treatment alternatives with no side effects and beneficial outcomes. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathological progression of acute and chronic SCI, and several potential treatments and therapeutic agents are currently being evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simonetta Papa, Valeria Veneruso, Emanuele Mauri, Giada Cremonesi, Xhuljana Mingaj, Alessandro Mariani, Massimiliano De Paola, Arianna Rossetti, Alessandro Sacchetti, Filippo Rossi, Gianluigi Forloni, Pietro Veglianese
Summary: Astroglial cells have a unique reaction during spinal cord damage, and there is a need for treatment targeting activated astrocytes to ensure some preservative effect during progressive damage. Functionalized nanogel-based nanovectors have shown selectivity towards astrocytes and limited uptake by macrophages, with potential therapeutic efficacy.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Agnes E. Haggerty, Ines Maldonado-Lasuncion, Yohshiro Nitobe, Kentaro Yamane, Megan M. Marlow, Hua You, Chi Zhang, Brian Cho, Xiaowei Li, Sashank Reddy, Hai-Quan Mao, Martin Oudega
Summary: The study found that combining MSC and NHC for treating spinal cord injuries can reduce the number of inflammatory cells, promote a shift from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory environment at the injury site, decrease injury size, increase the presence of astrocytes and axons, but has no significant impact on MSC transplant survival and hind limb function.
Article
Immunology
Sen Lin, Chang Xu, Xuechen Yin, He Tian, Xifan Mei
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes chronic functional impairment in patients, especially older adults who often have shorter lifespans. Overexpression of p75 leads to neuroinflammation and motor dysfunction following SCI in adult mice. In this study, it was found that p75 deletion could promote motor/sensory function recovery and improve survival in both adult and aged mice.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Zhou Feng, Lingxia Min, Liang Liang, Beike Chen, Hui Chen, Yi Zhou, Weiwei Deng, Hongliang Liu, Jingming Hou
Summary: It has been discovered that infiltrated neutrophils in spinal cord injury produce NETs, promoting neuroinflammation and blood-spinal cord barrier disruption, exacerbating SCI. Inhibition or disruption of NETs formation can alleviate damage and promote functional recovery after SCI.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qing Zhang, Beibei Yu, Yongfeng Zhang, Yunze Tian, Shijie Yang, Yongfeng Chen, Haining Wu
Summary: This study identified immune hub genes B2m, Itgb5, and Vav1 that play a crucial role in the subacute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI). It was found that low-dose decitabine can promote spinal cord regeneration by regulating the polarization state of macrophages/microglia. These findings have important implications for the discovery of therapeutic targets and drugs for nerve regeneration.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Yizhen Jiang, Jianbin Guo, Xiangwen Tang, Xiaohui Wang, Dingjun Hao, Hao Yang
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a devastating neurological disorder with high mortality and disability. Secondary injury, caused by infection and inflammation, exacerbates the initial injury and leads to severe consequences. Olfactory ensheathing cells, with their anti-inflammatory properties, have potential as cell-based therapy for spinal cord injury.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Siyi Liu, Ge Lin, Qiao Yang, Penghui Wang, Chao Ma, Xiaowei Qian, Xiaomei He, Zhangji Dong, Yan Liu, Mei Liu, Ronghua Wu, Liu Yang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SASH1 knockdown on functional recovery after SCI and investigate its mechanism in facilitating axonal growth. The results show that SASH1 downregulation improved hindlimb motor function and reduced glial activation. In cultured spinal astrocytes, SASH1 knockdown decreased interferon-gamma release and increased BDNF release, leading to increased axonal growth. Furthermore, SASH1 depletion maintained high levels of Nestin protein and increased BDNF release in differentiated NSCs.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jiansong Chen, Yiguo Shen, Xiaobo Shao, Weiliang Wu
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) and spinal cord tumor cause significant damage to the spinal cord, leading to multiple impairments and high morbidity and mortality. The treatment options for these conditions are limited and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the review, the role of inflammasomes in SCI and spinal cord tumors is highlighted, and targeting inflammasomes is suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cong Li, Wu Xiong, Bowen Wan, Guang Kong, Siming Wang, Yingying Wang, Jin Fan
Summary: Secondary spinal cord injury is caused by an irreversible inflammatory response cascade, and the immune system plays a crucial role in mediating inflammation. Investigating the mechanisms and functions of peripheral immune cells at the site of injury is significant for identifying clinical therapeutic targets.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Finosh G. Thankam, Sharona Sedighim, Rebecca Kuan, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: The study suggests that ischemic insults activate epicardial adipose tissue-derived stem cells (EATDS) to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing regenerative mediators, which can alter gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts (CF). Results showed that the interaction between ischemia-induced EVs and CF cells led to the upregulation of cardiomyocyte-specific transcription factors and the downregulation of fibroblast and cardiac biomarkers, indicating a cardiomyocyte-like phenotype. The study also identified LGALS1, PRDX2, and CCL2 as potent protein mediators involved in regenerative processes. The findings highlight the potential of EATDS-derived EVs and sub-populations for improved cardiac healing following ischemic injury.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sharona Sedighim, Yiqing Chen, Changlu Xu, Rohit Mohindra, Huinan Liu, Devendra K. Agrawal, Finosh G. Thankam
Summary: In this study, hydrogel scaffolds for cardiac tissue regeneration following myocardial infarction were developed. Both hydrogels displayed superior physiochemical characteristics and were hemocompatible and biocompatible. The in vitro performance of these hydrogels for cardiac tissue engineering applications was appreciable.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
William H. Fang, Victor Bonavida, Devendra K. Agrawal, Finosh G. Thankam
Summary: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, and it also contributes to an increased incidence of rotator cuff tendon injury (RCTI). Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and its oxidized form (ox-LDL) play a crucial role in promoting pro-inflammatory responses in the tendon, leading to tendon matrix disorganization. The exact mechanisms underlying RCTI in hyperlipidemia and the effects of ox-LDL on tendon matrix are currently unknown. This review focuses on the implications and future perspectives of LDL/oxLDL in the increased incidence of RCTI.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
William Fang, Seerat Sekhon, Darren Teramoto, Cameron Fung, Vy La, Cindy Duong, Christian Doescher, An Thai, Finosh G. G. Thankam, Devendra K. K. Agrawal
Summary: The impact of hyperlipidemia on rotator cuff tendon injury (RCTI) is still unclear. This study found that hyperlipidemia caused changes in major extracellular matrix components in tendon tissues and tenocytes. It also affected the expression levels of certain proteins and promoted lipid uptake and the generation of cellular reactive oxygen radicals. Understanding these mechanisms may provide new approaches for managing RCTI.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Vikrant Rai, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Treatment of nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers is a major challenge and understanding the effects of sexual dimorphism and other related issues is crucial. However, there is a lack of data in this area. It is important to understand these aspects for choosing appropriate animal models and investigating therapeutic options.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vikrant Rai, Rebecca Moellmer, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) can lead to amputation, increased morbidity and mortality, and economic stress. Fibroblast plasticity and heterogeneity, hyperglycemia, inflammatory cytokines, and interactions with other cells in the diabetic wound microenvironment play important roles in DFU healing. The different phenotypes of fibroblasts and their effects on angiogenesis in DFUs have not been thoroughly studied. This review aims to address these gaps in the field.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Correction
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gunimat Samra, Vikrant Rai, Devendra K. Agrawal
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vikrant Rai, Joe Abdo, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Esophageal cancer is a highly fatal disease with limited screening techniques and low survival rates. Non-invasive biomarkers and diagnostic methods are needed for early detection and improved outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sunil K. K. Noothi, Mohamed Radwan Ahmed, Devendra K. K. Agrawal
Summary: Atherosclerotic disease of the coronary and carotid arteries is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite advances in treatment and risk factor modification, there is still a residual risk for cardiovascular events. This article discusses the burden of atherosclerotic diseases, highlights the residual risks, and explores the evolving plaques in these arteries using advanced imaging techniques.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Parth Patel, Vikrant Rai, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease, characterized by plaque formation and hypoxic tissue due to vessel occlusion. Chronic inflammation and altered collagen expression contribute to plaque vulnerability, leading to acute ischemic events. Inflammatory mediators, including TREM-1, TLRs, MMPs, and immune cells, play a critical role in plaque vulnerability.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Prathosh Velpuri, Vikrant Rai, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a disease characterized by the formation of plaques in the blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood flow and oxygen deprivation to organs. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in plaque instability and rupture, leading to cardiovascular events. Sirtuins have been identified as potential targets for controlling plaque progression and vulnerability due to their involvement in inflammation and oxidative stress.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Pauline Cheng, Ahmad Rashad, Ankit Gangrade, Natan Roberto de Barros, Ali Khademhosseini, Jonathan Tam, Padmini Varadarajan, Devendra K. Agrawal, Finosh G. Thankam
Summary: Myocardial infarction leads to the loss of cardiomyocytes, but stem cell therapy shows promise in restoring cardiac function. This article discusses the application of different stem cell phenotypes and strategies to promote their differentiation into cardiomyocytes.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Armand N. Yazdani, Nathaniel DeMarco, Parth Patel, Arian Abdi, Prathosh Velpuri, Devendra K. Agrawal, Vikrant Rai
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on patients with hematological conditions, particularly those who are immunocompromised. Vaccination efforts have increased to protect this vulnerable population, but there are reported side effects and concerns about the vaccine's effectiveness for patients with hematological conditions. This review aims to provide critical hematological information on COVID-19 vaccination for clinicians and to clarify the adverse hematological effects associated with infection and vaccination within the general population.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vikrant Rai, Hoangvi Le, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: A non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant clinical problem with socioeconomic and psychosocial burdens. Current therapies for DFU, such as wound debridement and growth factors, have limited success in promoting angiogenesis and healing. Poor angiogenesis due to decreased expression of angiogenic mediators and matrix formation leads to nonhealing ulcers and amputation. This article critically reviews existing pro-angiogenic mediators and explores potential novel factors that may enhance angiogenesis and wound healing in DFUs.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Armand N. Yazdani, Michaela Pletsch, Abraham Chorbajian, David Zitser, Vikrant Rai, Devendra K. Agrawal
Summary: To effectively monitor CAD, it is important to identify key biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. This review discusses the most relevant markers for monitoring CAD prognosis and highlights the potential of using these markers in therapeutic interventions. By utilizing these markers, healthcare providers can improve patient care, optimize treatment plans, and reduce healthcare costs associated with CAD management.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CARDIOVASCULAR THERAPY
(2023)